AUGUSTA, Maine — There was at least one surprise among the five organizations that have applied to open charter schools in Maine.

State education officials had anticipated letters from four groups, but they weren’t expecting one that came in for a school in the Piscataquis County town of Monson.

The Kennebec Journal reported the applicant says he hopes to start a school for kindergarten through sixth grade this fall or next, and to eventually expand to high school and a college. The school would provide an education that connects students to nature.

The other applications came from groups that want to open schools in Cornville, Portland and Fairfield and one for a statewide online school.

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Potential charter school operators have until the close of business Wednesday to file notices of intent to apply.